Mission planning
Part I: Theory and background
Part II: Example walkthrough
(
DJI GS Pro)
Mission planning
• Using a mission planning app is
essential to get uniform/desired
image spacing
• If you ever try getting imagery
without a mission planning
app… it will look like the pilot
was
Mission planning
• Several options are available, consider which is best for your needs
Mission planning
• Considerations before choosing an app
• Compatibility with device, UAS, cameras
• Mission resume, repeatability
• Flexibility vs. ease of use
• Probability of error
• Most are free or inexpensive… try several!
• When buying equipment, ask the sales representative about
recommendations for your combination of aircraft, device, cameras, and
project requirements
Mission planning
• Trade-offs
• Higher altitude=more
area/time, but lower
resolution.
Altitude: 40m; Overlap: 75/85; Time: 9m 21s
Altitude: 80m; Overlap: 75/85; Time: 4m 12s
Mission planning
• Trade-offs
• Higher overlap increases
stitching quality, but
reduces area/time
• Ideal overlap depends on
mapped surface
Altitude: 80m; Overlap: 70/70; Time: 3m 11s
Altitude: 80m; Overlap: 75/85; Time: 4m 12s
Choosing the right sensor
• RGB
• Thermal
• Multispectral
• Hyperspectral
• Lidar
RGB
Multispectral
Hyperspectral
Lidar
Thermal infrared
Part II: Example walkthrough with DJI GS Pro
1. Install app from
preferred store, open
by clicking icon
2. Click the + symbol to
create a new mission
3. Click “3DMap Area”
4. Click “Tap”
5. Click area of
interest
6
desired corners
7. Pull these to
make additional
corners
8
. Choose
camera, angle,
capture
mode,
an
d
altitude
9. Switch to advanced
1
0
. Adjust
overlap, margin,
gimbal angle,
and final action
11. Click the flight
icon, and after
mission uploads,
click “fly”